Presents a literature review and research study that assessed science anxiety among elementary students. Concludes that (1) no inherent, biological reasons explain why females should be less adept at science than males; (2) nonthreatening science education is needed for students before grade four; and (3) teachers must be taught about their own…

This study reviews relevant literature to clarify the meaning of mathematics anxiety; reports on the field test of an instrument designed to measure anxiety; and analyzes change scores of students enrolled in a preservice elementary mathematics methods course to see if reductions in anxiety were observed. (MP)

Describes a study of computer experiences and attitudes as well as computer and math anxiety among MBA students. Previous research is reviewed; gender differences are examined; correlations between specific computer experiences and attitudes are considered; and the relationships of experiences and attitudes with grades are discussed. (Contains 52…

This paper sought to identify some of the dimensions, correlates, and effective treatments of mathematics anxiety. The introductory section provides a statement of the problem, defines the purpose, organization, and limitation of the study, and includes a glossary of terms. In the second section, an annotated bibliography is presented, organized…

A discussion of programs and techniques used to deal with student difficulties in learning math and science highlights the efforts of the Claremont Colleges, the College of St. Catherine, Gustavus Adolphus College, Iona College, Mississippi State University, and Stetson University. (MSE)

Women tend to subscribe to a belief that they are less inclined than males to handle numbers, logic, or problem-solving tasks. Upward mobility in occupations is seen to be dependent on math. A list of math anxiety, math avoidance, and math reentry programs given around the country is provided. (MLW)

The literature was examined to find studies specifically concerned with the development of instruments designed to measure attitudes. Close attention was paid to procedures used to determine reliability and validity in the development and subsequent use of such instruments. An effort was made to select the most relevant literature from the vast…

Presented are abstracts and analyses of eleven research reports related to mathematics education. Five deal with aspects of learning theory, three with classroom practices, and one each on student characteristics, cognitive development, and mathematics anxiety. Research related to mathematics education which was reported in RIE and CIJE between…

Summarizes common explanations for the fact that fewer women than men elect to take advanced mathematics courses and enter mathematically oriented careers, integrating this research into a theoretical model first proposed by Parsons and her colleagues for studying students' academic choices and decisions. The utility of the model is discussed.…

This paper reviews the literature on factors affecting students' performance in undergraduate statistics courses for the social sciences. Statistics anxiety and attitude have been linked to one's performance in statistics classes. Math factors, such as anxiety and attitude, may have an impact on performance in statistics classes, but the…

Females' underperformance in mathematics is discussed as a function of negative expectancies by parents, teachers, and peers. These negative expectancies of significant others lead to negative self-expectancies and negative attitudes about mathematics on the part of female students. These negative expectancies and attitudes lead to lower…

Examines attitudinal variables (e.g., math anxiety, attitude toward success), locus of control, high school grade point average (HSGPA), and Scholastic Aptitude Test Quantitative (SATQ) scores as predictors of first-quarter grades in a developmental mathematics course. Reports that HSGPA, SATQ, and self-confidence were significant predictors of…

Discusses confidence in learning math, anxiety, attributions of success and failure, and perceived usefulness of mathematics for both elementary and secondary samples. Three models for research are presented, and directions for future research are discussed. (RH)

Discussion of equity in computer science education focuses on issues related to gender. Topics discussed include computers and society, including employment changes and the relationship of women to society; the relationship between mathematics anxiety and computer anxiety; instructional and curriculum design; evaluation equity; and computer…

The central theme for this document is provided by the report by the National Advisory Committee on Mathematical Education (NACOME), which prepared an overview and analysis of U.S. school-level mathematical education. Topics covered include: (1) a research-supported discussion of several issues facing mathematics educators; (2) suggestions for…